GOP hold weakens in Columbia County as Democrats flip commission seat

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Columbia County, a Republican stronghold in Georgia politics, showed a shift in voting in Tuesday’s midterm election, according to state and county elections records.

Four years ago, seven out of 10 local voters chose Republican candidates, the records show. In Tuesday’s election, the vote was five to four.

District 4 seat flips

In District 4, Democrat Samantha Rockwood flipped the seat, ending a decades-long Republican hold on it. Rockwood is the District 4 commissioner-elect.

News 12 reached out to Rockwood and Commission Chair-elect Alison Couch for interviews. Neither had responded as of this report.

Barbershop owner reacts

Dennis, 80, talks about politics with his customers at his barbershop in Columbia County. He said he and his wife voted Republican.

“Me and my wife said red all the way. No brainer. Went in there and put Republican all the way,” Dennis said.

He said he supports President Donald Trump.

“I love Trump. He’s the best president in my lifetime,” Dennis said.

Dennis said the results did not go the way he wanted.

“I talk about it all the time with my customers,” Dennis said.

Economy cited

Dennis said conditions have changed since the war with Iran began.

“Since the Iran war started, things have kind of gone south,” Dennis said.

He said he believes the economy is the main factor in the shift.

“The economy is the big picture. People can’t afford stuff. Six dollars for diesel. It’s caused things in the grocery store to almost double. I think that’s the big picture right now,” Dennis said.

Dennis said he wants the country to be less divided.

“I like to get America back to where it’s not divided. We all want the same thing, a good strong country,” Dennis said.